Can You Freeze Jello Shots?

Updated onSeptember 22, 2017

Can you freeze jello shots? Jello shots are made with gelatin so they won’t freeze like an ice cube. However, it’s quite possible (and easy!) to freeze jello shots.

The problem with freezing jello shots is that the mixture loses its texture and flavor when frozen, although people make successful Jell-O popsicles by adding Kool-Aid to their concoction that turns out very well.

That being said, since alcohol will not freeze until it reaches -143.7°F, -97.6°C, and your home refrigerator will not go that low unless you have affected some major modifications to your unit, freezing Jell-O shooters makes a mess. If you figure that one out, get back to us and let us know how it works. You may have a friend.

You can still make them ahead of time and they will keep three to four days in the refrigerator if you wrap and seal them well before they lose their mold, color, and flavor. There are many recipes and a quick search will give you many different ideas for your Jell-O shots. None of them, however, suggests freezing them. That said, any type of food can be frozen so if you’re committed to storing leftover jello shots, you can freeze them.

How to Freeze Jello Shots?

Before we go ahead with the step by step guide on how can you freeze jello shots, let’s start with the basics of making jello shots.

The basic recipe calls for replacing half of the water with the liquor of your choice, although you can replace all of the water with liquor if you choose. Clear liquors, such as vodka, tend to work better.

(If you want weaker shots, replace the liquor with ½ cup of water and chill the mixture together until it is very cold.)

Chill the liquor in the freezer until it is very, very cold. Pour gelatin mix and then hot water into a mixing bowl. Stir until the gelatin is dissolved, then stir in the chilled liquor.

Pour into shot glasses, molds, plastic medicine cups or you can pour the mixture into a baking dish and cut into squares when you get ready to serve your Jell-O shots. Makes about 20 shots, depending on their size, which should be enough for about three to four of your partygoers. So be sure that you make enough Jell-O shooters.

Take the time, before making this recipe to serve to your guests, to find a recipe that gives you the firmest and longest lasting shots. Experiment and have fun doing so.

After making the jello shots, you can go ahead with the freezing. Get fun-sized or small resealable plastic bags and pour the gel mixture into the bags. Do not fill the plastic bag, leave an inch of space so you can seal the plastic bags properly. After packing the jello mixture, seal the plastic bags and write the storage date using a marker. Stick in the freezer and you’re done.

Do note that we don’t recommend freezing the jello shots for more than a few weeks.

Gelatin, which is a protein that changes the structure of liquid to form Jell-O and alcohol, won’t be frozen solid. It is a tough flexible protein that is derived from the connective and protective tissues of animals. Jell-O is held together with polymers and colloids. Freezing the gelatine too long may lead to sogginess or mushy jello shots.

How to Defrost Frozen Jello Shots?

To defrost the frozen jello shots, simply transfer the container from the freezer to the fridge. Leave the jello shots to thaw for several hours to overnight. Never leave the jello shots to thaw at room temperature. This may cause the gelatine to break down and liquify.

Summary

Freezing jello shots may take some trial and effort but it’s better than wasting the jello shots. Now that you know how can you freeze jello shots, there is no need to worry about what to do with your leftovers. Just freeze the jello shots and enjoy them later.